The Parrot Problem Solver: Finding Solutions to Aggressive Behavior

by Barbara Heidenreich

Book Overview

When not properly trained and socialized, parrots are prone to developing a number of behavioral problems, including aggression and self-mutilation. Many owners face these problems and need guidance... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0793805627
• ISBN13: 9780793805624
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: TFH Publications
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Excellent no nonsence parrot book!

Doesn't get any better than this. Nice to read a substantial book from someone who has worked with parrots in all aspects. An eye opener that doesn't make you feel like a bad parront :)

Excellent resource.

I'm repeating my review of Ms. Heidenreich's other book, Good Bird! because I think both books work together as one great resource. They are the best books I've come across dealing with companion parrots. If you understood why your bird is behaving as it does, you can deal with it more effectively. Kindness and reward go far with a companion bird (and, even though Ms. Heidenreich didn't mention it, 11-12 hours of covered cage/darkness a day does, too) than all the reprimanding in the world (which a parrot does not understand). A parrot, much like a cat, is not going to do anything he doesn't want to do, but unlike a cat, you can convince a parrot to want what you want, too. Tell him he's a good bird when he's quiet. Give him a reward when he says something nice. Understand you are his teacher, not his mate and not his slave. Punish him by turning your back, reward him by giving attention and praise. Parrots are a lot like toddlers - they need to be constantly taught how to be good and their companions need to be able to recognize the behaviors (sometimes extremely hard to see) that signal overexcitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."

Excellent resource for understanding and solving aggression in parrots

If you have ever worked with birds that show aggression, this book will be a easy to understand and excellent all-around resource for you. Great for first time parrot people and experienced trainers alike. Includes explanations based in science (ethology and behavior sciences) as well as training techiniques. Sections on bird body language are very helpful. This book goes into more depth than Good Bird! and is a very useful addition. I recommend this book to many of my students, and I haven't heard a disapointed comment yet. I look forward to more from Barbara! If you've not gotten a chance to check out the magazine, Good Bird! it is also very worthwhile.

Great Book!

Barbara Heidenreich has written this book to help the rest of us understand a little more about our companions and to figure out how to solve some of the problems that may develop between you and your very intelligent pet. She explains how and why negative reinforcement is not as successful as positive reinforcement in changing an undesired behaviour. Because our birds are not far removed from parrots in the wild, Barbara has included a chapter on parrot behavior in the wild. She has included chapters on aggression and reading a bird's body language and explains how excitement can sometimes turn into aggression as well as what to watch for to avoid a possible bite. Tools and Techniques to Address Problems with Aggression gives several examples of what you can do in certain circumstances to work through problems. If you are having a problem with your parrot, this book by Barbara Heidenreich should give you some great advice to be able to get back the companion bird that you love. Just remember that everything takes time and solving problems takes more time than preventing them in the first place. If you don't have problems with your parrot, this book may give you enough advice and ideas to avoid some common problems.

the parrot problem solver

Excellent, easy to understand. Lots of great information for first time parrot owners to advanced parrot owners. Highly recomend to anyone.